John the Good
John the Good was the Archbishop of Milan from approximately 641 to 669, a period notable for the bishop's return to Milan after a 70-year exile. Honored as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, he is remembered for his generosity and charity, which earned him his epithet. His reign saw the relocation of relics and significant contributions to the Church of Milan.
Key Facts
- ›Archbishop of Milan from C. 641 to 669.
- ›His tenure marked the return of the bishop to Milan after over 70 years of exile.
- ›Born in the diocese of Genoa, in the village of Recco.
- ›Participated in the Lateran Council in 649, subscribing to its documents.
- ›Distinguished for generosity and charity, earning the sobriquet 'the Good'.
- ›Died in 669, leaving his properties to the Church of Milan.
- Facilitated the Return of the Bishopric To Milan After A Long Exile.
- Known For Generosity and Charity.
- Moved Relics of Saint Syrus of Genoa To Desio, Establishing It As An Ecclesiastical/Administrative Territory.
- Bequeathed All His Properties, Including Estates Near Genoa, To the Church of Milan.
About John the Good
John the Good (Archbishop of Milan)
John the Good, known also as John Camillus (Latin: Ioannes Bonus, Italian: Giovanni Bono or Buono), served as the Archbishop of Milan from approximately 641 to 669. His episcopate is historically significant as it marked the return of the bishop to the city of Milan after an exile that had lasted for more than 70 years. This period of exile began in 569 following the Lombard invasion of Northern Italy.
Life and Historical Context
John the Good was born in the village of Recco, within the diocese of Genoa. His election as bishop is believed to have occurred around 641, possibly as a consequence of the Lombard King Rothari's conquest of Genoa in that year. Upon becoming bishop, John returned to reside in Milan. In 649, he was invited to participate in the Lateran Council; although he arrived after its conclusion, he subscribed to all its issued documents. Sources for his life include the 10th-century Catalogue of the Bishops of Milan and an 11th to 13th-century poem in his honor.
Notable Contributions and Legacy
The poem in his honor highlights John the Good's exceptional generosity and charity, which led to his epithet. It also attributes miracles to him. Among his notable actions was the relocation of some relics of Saint Syrus of Genoa to Desio, where he established an ecclesiastical and administrative territory. He died in 669, leaving all his properties, including estates near Genoa, to the Church of Milan. His death date is disputed, with the Catalogue suggesting a death no later than 659, while the poem indicates 669. He is honored as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, with his feast day celebrated on January 10th (according to the poem and the Eastern Orthodox Church) or January 2nd (according to the Catalogue and modern Roman Catholic observance).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was John the Good the Archbishop of Milan?
John the Good served as the Archbishop of Milan from approximately 641 to 669. His tenure was significant for the return of the bishop to the city of Milan after an exile of more than 70 years.
Why is John the Good known as 'the Good'?
He earned the epithet 'the Good' (Latin: Bonus) due to his distinguished generosity and charity, as recorded in an 11th to 13th-century poem in his honor. He also accomplished miracles, according to the same source.
What was the historical context of John the Good's return to Milan?
John the Good's return to Milan occurred after the Lombard invasion of Northern Italy in 569, which led the previous bishop to flee to Genoa. His election as bishop is believed to have followed the 641 conquest of Genoa by the Lombard King Rothari.
What are the main sources for John the Good's life?
The primary sources for John the Good's life are the Catalogue of the Bishops of Milan, dated from about the 10th century, and a poem (Carme) written in his honor, which dates from the 11th to the 13th century.
Where is John the Good buried and venerated?
Initially, John the Good was buried in the church of Saint Michael in Domo in Milan. His body was later translated to the south transept of the Milan Cathedral on May 24, 1582, where it is still venerated.
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